PM asks industry, public to observe SOPs to ensure business, trade can continue to operate

“The government listens to your views by not shutting down the economy during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period.

“So, please reciprocate this gesture by complying strictly with the SOPs so that we can ensure business and trade will continue to operate, while at the same time help break the chain of COVID-19 transmission at the workplace and in the community,” the Prime Minister said in a special address which was telecast live on Thursday.

Muhyiddin also assured that the implementation of total lockdown as previously done will not be repeated.

Although total lockdown is one of the most effective methods to break the COVID-19 infection chain, he said it will have a very negative impact on the country's economy and people's lives.

"Many factories have to be closed, businesses winding up, companies are crippled, and the rakyat will lose their jobs and means of living.

"The lives of the rakyat will definitely be severely affected. This is a situation that we must both avoid,” he said.

Muhyiddin said the best method at the moment was to allow the necessary economic sectors to continue operating and at the same time implement strict SOPs to break the COVID-19 infection chain in the workplace, in residential areas and in the community.

He said the government will not hesitate to take stern action against any parties that violate the rules or SOPs in force.

The Prime Minister said a Special Task Force for Monitoring and Enforcing the MCO, comprising various agencies and ministries, has been set up to monitor the SOP compliance.

He said the Special Task Force from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), tasked with monitoring at factory and non-factory premises, has visited 2,276 premises nationwide until Feb 3, 2021.

Of them, he said, 197 premises were reprimanded and 34 were ordered to close for non-compliance with the SOPs, he said, adding that 82,141 individuals had been compounded and 31,740 arrested for various offences by the Royal Malaysian Police.